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Jack Howard #7
Pharaoh: A Novel
Perfect for fans of Clive Cussler and Dan Brown, Pharaoh is a pulse-pounding new adventure starring intrepid marine archaeologist Jack Howard, on the trail of a shattering revelation about an ancient secret buried deep under the Egyptian pyramids. 1351 Akhenaten the Sun-Pharaoh rules supreme in Egypt . . . until the day he casts off his crown and mysteriously disappears into the desert, his legacy seemingly swallowed up by the remote sands beneath the Great Pyramids of Giza. AD 1884: A British soldier serving in the Sudan stumbles upon an incredible discovery—a submerged temple containing evidence of a terrifying religion whose god was fed by human sacrifice. The soldier is on a mission to reach General Gordon before Khartoum falls. But he hides a secret of his own. Present Jack Howard and his team are excavating one of the most amazing underwater sites they have ever encountered, but dark forces are watching to see what they will find. Diving into the Nile, they enter a world three thousand years back in history, inhabited by a people who have sworn to guard the greatest secret of all time.Praise for Pharaoh “[David Gibbins’s] love of archaeology and of diving really brings these books to life. . . . Add to this . . . a true passion for history and a writing skill that has grown book by book. By the time we get to Pharaoh the series is a serious example of how this genre should be written; it does not get much better than this. . . . Gibbins makes the astounding seem more than plausible, he writes the history in such a way that the myth feels factual or at least highly plausible, and it’s more that just places and names; it’s a philosophical undertone to the extended plot, to the ethos of Jack Howard and his search for the facts and the truth. . . . History, mystery and myth all brought together to astound the reading senses . . . a true leader of his genre and his art.”—Parmenion Books “Utterly absorbing . . . When the adventure is as exciting as it is here, it is too good not to be allowed to speak for itself. . . . Put aside your assumptions of what a thriller should be and instead immerse yourself in one of the best historical adventures you’ll read this year.”—For Winter Nights Praise for David Gibbins “What do you get if you cross Indiana Jones with Dan Brown? David Gibbins.”—Daily Mirror (U.K.), on Atlantis “An exciting mix of fact and fiction, with shades of Clive Cussler and Indiana Jones.”—York Evening Press, on Crusader Gold
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2013
77 people are currently reading
1530 people want to read
About the author
David Gibbins
48 books608 followers Canadian-born underwater archaeologist and novelist. Gibbins learned to scuba dive at the age of 15 in Canada, and dived under ice, on shipwrecks and in caves while he was still at school. He has led numerous underwater archaeology expeditions around the world, including five seasons excavating ancient Roman shipwrecks off Sicily and a survey of the submerged harbour of ancient Carthage. In 1999-2000 he was part of an international team excavating a 5th century BC shipwreck off Turkey. His many publications on ancient shipwreck sites have appeared in scientific journals, books and popular magazines. Most recently his fieldwork has taken him to the Arctic Ocean, to Mesoamerica and to the Great Lakes in Canada.
After holding a Research Fellowship at Cambridge, he spent most of the 1990s as a Lecturer in the School of Archaeology, Classics and Oriental Studies at the University of Liverpool. On leaving teaching he become a novelist, writing archaeological thrillers derived from his own background. His novels have sold over two million copies and have been London Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers. His first novel, Atlantis, published in the UK in 2005 and the US in September 2006, has been published in 30 languages and is being made into a TV miniseries; since then he has written five further novels, published in more than 100 editions internationally. His novels form a series based on the fictional maritime archaeologist Jack Howard and his team, and are contemporary thrillers involving a plausible archaeological backdrop.
After holding a Research Fellowship at Cambridge, he spent most of the 1990s as a Lecturer in the School of Archaeology, Classics and Oriental Studies at the University of Liverpool. On leaving teaching he become a novelist, writing archaeological thrillers derived from his own background. His novels have sold over two million copies and have been London Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers. His first novel, Atlantis, published in the UK in 2005 and the US in September 2006, has been published in 30 languages and is being made into a TV miniseries; since then he has written five further novels, published in more than 100 editions internationally. His novels form a series based on the fictional maritime archaeologist Jack Howard and his team, and are contemporary thrillers involving a plausible archaeological backdrop.
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February 26, 2018
Μια ευχάριστη έκπληξη!
Παρόλο που μου αρέσουν οι -πολλές φορές τραβηγμένες από τα μαλλιά- περιπέτειες του σύγχρονου Ιντιάνα Τζόουνς, αρχαιολόγου Τζακ Χάουαρντ, το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο διαδραματίζεται ως επί το πλείστον στο παρελθόν, και συγκεκριμένα στο 1884-85, όπου παρακολουθούμε την ιστορία ενός Βρετανού αξιωματικού που προσπαθεί να φτάσει στον στρατηγό Γκόρντον πριν πέσει το πολιορκημένο Χαρτούμ, κάτι που μου άρεσε περισσότερο από την ιστορία που διαδραματίζεται στο παρόν με πρωταγωνιστή τον Τζακ και την ομάδα του! Μέσα από αυτήν την φανταστική ιστορία, μαθαίνουμε αρκετά πραγματικά ιστορικά γεγονότα για μια ιστορία που εκείνη την εποχή είχε καθηλώσει τον κόσμο!
Αυτό που πολλούς τους ξένισε (το ιστορικό κομμάτι) εμένα μου άρεσε και ένιωσα τον εαυτό μου να βυθίζεται στην ιστορία του ταγματάρχη Έντουαρντ Μέιν και της περιπέτειάς του στην έρημο της αγαπημένης μου Αφρικής! Για όσους τους αρέσουν τα ιστορικά γεγονότα, σε συνδυασμό με μια δόση περιπέτειας αλά Ιντιάνα Τζόουνς, τους το συνιστώ ανεπιφύλακτα!
Βαθμολογία : 8.5/10
Παρόλο που μου αρέσουν οι -πολλές φορές τραβηγμένες από τα μαλλιά- περιπέτειες του σύγχρονου Ιντιάνα Τζόουνς, αρχαιολόγου Τζακ Χάουαρντ, το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο διαδραματίζεται ως επί το πλείστον στο παρελθόν, και συγκεκριμένα στο 1884-85, όπου παρακολουθούμε την ιστορία ενός Βρετανού αξιωματικού που προσπαθεί να φτάσει στον στρατηγό Γκόρντον πριν πέσει το πολιορκημένο Χαρτούμ, κάτι που μου άρεσε περισσότερο από την ιστορία που διαδραματίζεται στο παρόν με πρωταγωνιστή τον Τζακ και την ομάδα του! Μέσα από αυτήν την φανταστική ιστορία, μαθαίνουμε αρκετά πραγματικά ιστορικά γεγονότα για μια ιστορία που εκείνη την εποχή είχε καθηλώσει τον κόσμο!
Αυτό που πολλούς τους ξένισε (το ιστορικό κομμάτι) εμένα μου άρεσε και ένιωσα τον εαυτό μου να βυθίζεται στην ιστορία του ταγματάρχη Έντουαρντ Μέιν και της περιπέτειάς του στην έρημο της αγαπημένης μου Αφρικής! Για όσους τους αρέσουν τα ιστορικά γεγονότα, σε συνδυασμό με μια δόση περιπέτειας αλά Ιντιάνα Τζόουνς, τους το συνιστώ ανεπιφύλακτα!
Βαθμολογία : 8.5/10
July 9, 2021
It's in the middle road for me. Interesting and intruging enough but not quite the adventure I had hoped. Havnt read any other books in the series and don't know if I matters much as some series can be read as stand alone. Would like to read something more in the series but maybe not the whole series.
January 5, 2018
I love the Jack Howard series. I would argue that the majority of the books aren't thrillers, they're archaeological adventures, often with a fascinating historical fiction component. I think Pharaoh is the finest example of this, combining the archaeological search of Jack and Costas for lost remains from the reign of the most enigmatic of Pharaohs Akhenaten, with the daring mission of a British sniper to reach General Gordon in the besieged city of Khartoum during the 1880s. This story is done particularly well. Pharaoh is a substantial book but I would quite happily have devoured many more of these well-written and evocative pages. It's great to hear that there will be a sequel.
July 25, 2016
I am a big Jack Howard fan, but this book is nine tenths boring something else, dozens and dozens of pages which will solve your worst insomnia problems in zero time.
Too much late nineteenth-century military history which can only appeal to connoisseurs with a tiny little nothing of Jack and Costas.
Giant fail!
Too much late nineteenth-century military history which can only appeal to connoisseurs with a tiny little nothing of Jack and Costas.
Giant fail!
May 22, 2013
Jack Howard is a modern day Indiana Jones type, part academic, part action man. Along with his friends and colleagues of the International Maritime University, he travels the globe uncovering facts behind myth and legend. His latest adventure finds him in Egypt and the Sudan attempting to track down the lost secrets of the Nile.
What really caught my imagination though were the chapters that take place during the nineteenth century. Major Edward Mayne is tasked with reaching Khartoum before a fundamentalist army reaches the city. Working with a native American Mohawk tracker, Mayne travels the desert, avoiding enemy forces in a race against time. The action scenes are handled with real skill and I particularly enjoyed the bloody encounters that form part of Mayne’s journey to Khartoum. Gibbins descriptive powers veer towards the graphic and leave nothing to the imagination. When soldiers die it is in the most gruesome of fashions. This is brutal, violent stuff and doesn’t sugar coat the horrors of war. It’s nice to find an author who doesn’t shy away from chaos of the battlefield.
The short prologue set in ancient Egypt, the nineteenth century chapters and those set in the present day all fit together well and create an entertaining, action packed story. The author is an experienced archaeologist and diver in his own right and that knowledge filters through into his writing.
A quick Internet search reveals this is the seventh Jack Howard adventure and it has an episodic feel about it. There are a couple of throwaway lines that I suspect are references to the previous novels. I’ve not read any of the other books in this series but I didn’t feel particularly hindered by this, if anything it has piqued my interest. The writing is accessible and even as a new reader I was very quickly up to speed with everything I think I needed to know. Existing fans are bound to get a little more from the novel but I don’t think I was missing out massively. I can appreciate that there is a lot of backstory, six whole books worth, that I am unaware of but this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the novel at all.
One thing I think I should mention, as a word of warning, Pharaoh does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. I’ll avoid spoilers, but it definitely feels like there is much more to this story still left to be told.
There are some additional notes at the end of the novel detailing the various sources that the author drew his inspiration from. I like this inclusion, I’m sure any reader would find it interesting to see details of the historical fact that was the basis for this fiction.
Pharaoh is published by Headline and is available on 23rd May. Blending together the best from historical and thriller genres this was a lot of fun. I suspect there may be more Jack Howard novels in my future. If you’re a fan of Clive Cussler or Dan Brown then you are bound to enjoy this.
What really caught my imagination though were the chapters that take place during the nineteenth century. Major Edward Mayne is tasked with reaching Khartoum before a fundamentalist army reaches the city. Working with a native American Mohawk tracker, Mayne travels the desert, avoiding enemy forces in a race against time. The action scenes are handled with real skill and I particularly enjoyed the bloody encounters that form part of Mayne’s journey to Khartoum. Gibbins descriptive powers veer towards the graphic and leave nothing to the imagination. When soldiers die it is in the most gruesome of fashions. This is brutal, violent stuff and doesn’t sugar coat the horrors of war. It’s nice to find an author who doesn’t shy away from chaos of the battlefield.
The short prologue set in ancient Egypt, the nineteenth century chapters and those set in the present day all fit together well and create an entertaining, action packed story. The author is an experienced archaeologist and diver in his own right and that knowledge filters through into his writing.
A quick Internet search reveals this is the seventh Jack Howard adventure and it has an episodic feel about it. There are a couple of throwaway lines that I suspect are references to the previous novels. I’ve not read any of the other books in this series but I didn’t feel particularly hindered by this, if anything it has piqued my interest. The writing is accessible and even as a new reader I was very quickly up to speed with everything I think I needed to know. Existing fans are bound to get a little more from the novel but I don’t think I was missing out massively. I can appreciate that there is a lot of backstory, six whole books worth, that I am unaware of but this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the novel at all.
One thing I think I should mention, as a word of warning, Pharaoh does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. I’ll avoid spoilers, but it definitely feels like there is much more to this story still left to be told.
There are some additional notes at the end of the novel detailing the various sources that the author drew his inspiration from. I like this inclusion, I’m sure any reader would find it interesting to see details of the historical fact that was the basis for this fiction.
Pharaoh is published by Headline and is available on 23rd May. Blending together the best from historical and thriller genres this was a lot of fun. I suspect there may be more Jack Howard novels in my future. If you’re a fan of Clive Cussler or Dan Brown then you are bound to enjoy this.
September 11, 2013
This is the seventh book in the Jack Howard series, and although this is the first book ever I’ve read by Gibbins, it will surely not be the last! “Pharaoh” can be read as a stand-alone without having to have read the first six books in this series. I never had the feeling I was missing out on any previous character development, even though the characters have histories and relationships which were most likely formed in the previous books.
Jack and his team’s quest to unravel the mystery of Akhenaten is one of adventure and jaw-dropping discoveries that keeps the reader riveted. But “Pharaoh” is more than buried treasure, archeological discoveries, bloody nineteenth-century battle scenes, underwater temples, staving off crocodiles, and trying to survive the heat of the Sudanese desert. It also comprises of a well-known historical event in which British Imperial power was sent on a rescue expedition to save General Gordon from Khartoum; which is the second of three storylines, the third being that of a young British engineer with his own motives and convictions.
The author either did his research really well, or he has a passion for archeology and diving, as these two elements, amongst others, are a massive part of what drives the plot and gives it an authentic feel. I couldn’t really see the comparison to Indiana Jones, but I felt the desert setting and use of advanced technological gadgets created an Indiana Jones-movie-like atmosphere in the story. The reader is constantly kept on the edge, and as this is a fast-paced novel – albeit with in-depth descriptions – I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
The one character that stood out for me and made me smile quite often was Costa. I loved his wit and natural charm and without him this story wouldn’t have had the same thrilling impact on me it had. I was immensely impressed with how the author blended the events taking place in the nineteenth century with Jack’s storyline in the here and now. Not many authors can pull the transitioning between such different viewpoints off as deftly as Gibbins did. Skilled writing, superb plot- and character development, and detailed imagery that places the reader centre stage in every action sequence and new discovery, and you have yourself a novel that’s nearly impossible to put down!
Jack and his team’s quest to unravel the mystery of Akhenaten is one of adventure and jaw-dropping discoveries that keeps the reader riveted. But “Pharaoh” is more than buried treasure, archeological discoveries, bloody nineteenth-century battle scenes, underwater temples, staving off crocodiles, and trying to survive the heat of the Sudanese desert. It also comprises of a well-known historical event in which British Imperial power was sent on a rescue expedition to save General Gordon from Khartoum; which is the second of three storylines, the third being that of a young British engineer with his own motives and convictions.
The author either did his research really well, or he has a passion for archeology and diving, as these two elements, amongst others, are a massive part of what drives the plot and gives it an authentic feel. I couldn’t really see the comparison to Indiana Jones, but I felt the desert setting and use of advanced technological gadgets created an Indiana Jones-movie-like atmosphere in the story. The reader is constantly kept on the edge, and as this is a fast-paced novel – albeit with in-depth descriptions – I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
The one character that stood out for me and made me smile quite often was Costa. I loved his wit and natural charm and without him this story wouldn’t have had the same thrilling impact on me it had. I was immensely impressed with how the author blended the events taking place in the nineteenth century with Jack’s storyline in the here and now. Not many authors can pull the transitioning between such different viewpoints off as deftly as Gibbins did. Skilled writing, superb plot- and character development, and detailed imagery that places the reader centre stage in every action sequence and new discovery, and you have yourself a novel that’s nearly impossible to put down!
September 26, 2016
Once again Gibbins has created a fast paced archaeology led thriller that finds Jack Howard following in the footsteps of the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaten. The story starts with a bang as we travel back to Ancient Egypt and the moment that Akhenaten turns of the gods of old to follow the Aten before we are pulled back to modern day with Jack and his team beneath the waves as they hunt down another lost treasure. And so begins a story interwoven with fact and fiction, some of which is a little much but that could be because of my love for Ancient Egypt and knowledge of their history. It is a thrilling read and was on its way to being a great read, then the ending happened. For me this was too much, again my knowledge of the country and the era made it just too far fetched so it was a bit of an anti-climax. This isn't necessarily Gibbins fault but given his ability to blend fact and fiction I would've liked something a little more befitting, I can't see Akhenaten hiding his crowning city that way at all.
July 2, 2013
I have read all of David Gibbins' Jack Howard books! I liked the plot, I liked the accuracy of the information given and the accuracy of the historical backround. I gave only 3 stars because the biggest part of the book was dedicated to the events of 1884-85 and not to the present adventures. Unfortunately when the book started to be really interested, it finished, so we have to wait for the next one. I understand that the events of the past played a specific role , creating the plot for the events of the present, but (as another reviewer wrote) I wanted to read a Jack Howard adventure and not a Mayne one. It was really tiring.....
June 2, 2015
This book has piqued my interest in archaeology once again. This book follows the history in the desert. First the mystery of Akhenaten the heretic pharaoh. Second the Gordon relief effort in 1885 who dabbled in archaeology. Then the archaeology following the pervious two. The description is perfect: Indiana Jones meets Dan Brown.
July 24, 2016
Two stories in one with Jack and his team searches for clues about a great treasure from the pharaonic time in Sudan. The other story is about a spy on a mission to Khartom in1884. Jack story was not finished by the end of the book and will continue in the next one. A quick adventure.
May 24, 2025
it is clear, and sweet, that the author feels very passionately about what he has written, and that he is a very smart and well educated man, consequently though there is far too much technical detail for the lay person to really enjoy it even as a historical fiction and felt much more like an intellectual/academic exercise for the author at times eg did not expect to come away from this book able to name two guns used by imperial British soldiers in the Victorian age (Martini-Henry and Remington rifles) but they are mentioned SO much it would be impossible not to
I appreciate the level of research, however, and I acknowledge how much I���ve learnt as this book is more like a true historical account with fictional elements peppered in, plus anything to do with ancient Egypt and its most interesting pharaoh Akhenaten is bound to be interesting, plus I love the desert and crocodiles so those elements did keep me engaged
what really lets it down is the structure, as while I enjoyed the 1880’s parts, they did genuinely feel like the main story as the story line was better paced and more engaging, and the majority of the book was given to that timeline, whereas the book’s actual main character Jack Howard’s story line felt quite boring in comparison, I couldn’t get interested in him or his motives, felt a little pretentious at times and on top of that, was unfinished at the end anyway…
mixed bag really, plenty of good but perhaps better suited to like-minded individuals to the author than the general public if anyone is to get really excited about the book
I appreciate the level of research, however, and I acknowledge how much I���ve learnt as this book is more like a true historical account with fictional elements peppered in, plus anything to do with ancient Egypt and its most interesting pharaoh Akhenaten is bound to be interesting, plus I love the desert and crocodiles so those elements did keep me engaged
what really lets it down is the structure, as while I enjoyed the 1880’s parts, they did genuinely feel like the main story as the story line was better paced and more engaging, and the majority of the book was given to that timeline, whereas the book’s actual main character Jack Howard’s story line felt quite boring in comparison, I couldn’t get interested in him or his motives, felt a little pretentious at times and on top of that, was unfinished at the end anyway…
mixed bag really, plenty of good but perhaps better suited to like-minded individuals to the author than the general public if anyone is to get really excited about the book
May 15, 2013
The deserts of Sudan and the archaeologist Jack Howard is investigating sites that are connected to Akhenaten the Sun-Pharaoh. Jack and his team believe that Akhenaten is the Pharaoh in the Bible and the story of Moses.
As they attempt to unravel the three thousand year old mystery Jack and his team must not only contend with the heat and dust of the desert but also the huge Nile crocodiles and the equally rapacious Sudan government officials.
With the dig progressing they find not only echoes of ancient Egypt but also a time from when British Imperial power extended into the region.
They realize they are following the footsteps of the British expedition to rescue General Gordon from Khartoum and in particular the path of a young British engineer who is on his own secret mission to reach Gordon.
With the three timelines intermingling, Jack discovers an underwater temple connected to Akhenaten which he realizes could take him to one of the greatest archeological discoveries of all time.
With a crack team behind him he must use very trick in the book to solve the mystery of the Sun-Pharaoh.
This is the first David Gibbins book I have read and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
The mixture of the race to rescue General Gordon, hints of Ancient Egypt and the modern archeological adventure sets this book apart. As Jack walk in the footsteps of the British Engineer it brings a depth to the story which really brings it to life.
Both stories in this book could equally deserve its own book. The 1880′s thread in particular is excellent, as the British struggle to get their boats up the Nile and complete a rescue of Gordon.
It has a clever sub-plot of Gordon’s motives for staying in Khartoum and the British dilemma in what to do about him. Do they leave him and risk his capture by the Madists, hope he is killed in the battle for the city or is there a third option?
I also liked the discussion about the part religion played in these men. What drove them to enter these harsh and dangerous territories in search of evidence that could prove the story of the bible and also the utter belief in heaven that made death acceptable.
It brings a cast of historical characters to life, from General Wolseley and Kitchner to a very sympathetic portrayal of Gordon which I really liked. As a student and fan of late 19th century Imperial history I was very impressed with this part of the story.
Jack Howard is a great character, very much in the mold of Indiana Jones but with the help of a crack team and the latest technological gadgets. His passion for the past is infectious and the diving scenes are taut with excitement and tension.
David Gibbins make archeology exciting and I love mixture of the two timelines, the writing is fast paced and I literally raced along to find out what happened next.
This maybe the first David Gibbins book I have read but it won’t be the last.
As they attempt to unravel the three thousand year old mystery Jack and his team must not only contend with the heat and dust of the desert but also the huge Nile crocodiles and the equally rapacious Sudan government officials.
With the dig progressing they find not only echoes of ancient Egypt but also a time from when British Imperial power extended into the region.
They realize they are following the footsteps of the British expedition to rescue General Gordon from Khartoum and in particular the path of a young British engineer who is on his own secret mission to reach Gordon.
With the three timelines intermingling, Jack discovers an underwater temple connected to Akhenaten which he realizes could take him to one of the greatest archeological discoveries of all time.
With a crack team behind him he must use very trick in the book to solve the mystery of the Sun-Pharaoh.
This is the first David Gibbins book I have read and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
The mixture of the race to rescue General Gordon, hints of Ancient Egypt and the modern archeological adventure sets this book apart. As Jack walk in the footsteps of the British Engineer it brings a depth to the story which really brings it to life.
Both stories in this book could equally deserve its own book. The 1880′s thread in particular is excellent, as the British struggle to get their boats up the Nile and complete a rescue of Gordon.
It has a clever sub-plot of Gordon’s motives for staying in Khartoum and the British dilemma in what to do about him. Do they leave him and risk his capture by the Madists, hope he is killed in the battle for the city or is there a third option?
I also liked the discussion about the part religion played in these men. What drove them to enter these harsh and dangerous territories in search of evidence that could prove the story of the bible and also the utter belief in heaven that made death acceptable.
It brings a cast of historical characters to life, from General Wolseley and Kitchner to a very sympathetic portrayal of Gordon which I really liked. As a student and fan of late 19th century Imperial history I was very impressed with this part of the story.
Jack Howard is a great character, very much in the mold of Indiana Jones but with the help of a crack team and the latest technological gadgets. His passion for the past is infectious and the diving scenes are taut with excitement and tension.
David Gibbins make archeology exciting and I love mixture of the two timelines, the writing is fast paced and I literally raced along to find out what happened next.
This maybe the first David Gibbins book I have read but it won’t be the last.
February 28, 2017
couldn't get through it. dragging my feet. not exciting to me. the flashbacks aren't engaging. maybe I just can't relate but I can't read this. the descriptions drone on and are too wordy and boring. sorry guys, I tried.
October 24, 2013
I’m slightly obsessed with ancient Egypt (thanks to Stargate) so when I saw this book on Edelweiss, I really thought it could be a fun read. For one reason or another, I didn’t find out that this was the 7th instalment of Jack Howard series until quite a bit later and as I just don’t have the time or energy these days (new house & job), I was hoping this book could just stand on its own.
For the most part, reading this book by itself really wasn’t an issue. As the blurb on Goodreads would tell you, this book alternated between 3 timelines though mostly not on the Present Day. Therefore, it tends to be a non-issue reading this as a stand alone as the stories could be enjoyed as short stories that are somewhat linked throughout the 3 timelines.
The ancient Egypt timeline was actually quite short so the bulk of the novel is taken up with the 19th century timeline which was had interesting characters and pretty good plot. This part of the novel, as far as I’m concern, is what saved the book from a 1 star rating. The present timeline with Jack Howard and co was rather lack-lustre. There was not meaty substance; no character development and filler type of story which was neither here nor there. There were a few times that I got caught thinking, ‘oh, here we go, a CONFLICT’, just to be deflated a few seconds later.
Based on my experience on Pharaoh, this is not a series that I’d be willing to explore without sparkly recommendation from a trustworthy source. I wonder if there are any fans of this series out there who can tell me if earlier books are good?
My thanks to Dell via Edelweiss for the opportunity to read & review eGalley
For the most part, reading this book by itself really wasn’t an issue. As the blurb on Goodreads would tell you, this book alternated between 3 timelines though mostly not on the Present Day. Therefore, it tends to be a non-issue reading this as a stand alone as the stories could be enjoyed as short stories that are somewhat linked throughout the 3 timelines.
The ancient Egypt timeline was actually quite short so the bulk of the novel is taken up with the 19th century timeline which was had interesting characters and pretty good plot. This part of the novel, as far as I’m concern, is what saved the book from a 1 star rating. The present timeline with Jack Howard and co was rather lack-lustre. There was not meaty substance; no character development and filler type of story which was neither here nor there. There were a few times that I got caught thinking, ‘oh, here we go, a CONFLICT’, just to be deflated a few seconds later.
Based on my experience on Pharaoh, this is not a series that I’d be willing to explore without sparkly recommendation from a trustworthy source. I wonder if there are any fans of this series out there who can tell me if earlier books are good?
My thanks to Dell via Edelweiss for the opportunity to read & review eGalley
November 26, 2013
The most interesting part of the book was the extended Author's Notes. The author clearly has a passion for events he writes about. In fact if he wrote a non-fictional book based on his own personal connection and extensive knowledge I can imagine that being very well received.
As a fictional story this book is disjointed and didn't flow very well.
In the attempt to fit in every single factual detail in, especially minutiae detailed descriptions of weapons, the plot never really takes off. There was a sense of storyline confusion in the beginning, that started out as archaeological expedition linked to Akhenaten and ended up focusing on a conflict in the Middle East which laid the foundation for the fundamentalists of our era.
It felt like every time I turned a page the author was headed off into yet another rabbit hole. Not that the rabbit holes weren't interesting, they just didn't connect well. So it was a case of how does this link into the Pharaoh again? Right, it doesn't. So why were the first chapters about artifacts from this Pharaoh's pyramid?
I guess it was to ensure the reader ended up in a specific place in the desert where a war skirmish and rescue mission took place in history.
So why wasn't the focus on that in the first place?
Good question.
Based on the cliffhanger it appears as if this might be followed up second one to expand upon the pyramid story perhaps. It would have made more sense to separate the two distinctive tales in the first place.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
As a fictional story this book is disjointed and didn't flow very well.
In the attempt to fit in every single factual detail in, especially minutiae detailed descriptions of weapons, the plot never really takes off. There was a sense of storyline confusion in the beginning, that started out as archaeological expedition linked to Akhenaten and ended up focusing on a conflict in the Middle East which laid the foundation for the fundamentalists of our era.
It felt like every time I turned a page the author was headed off into yet another rabbit hole. Not that the rabbit holes weren't interesting, they just didn't connect well. So it was a case of how does this link into the Pharaoh again? Right, it doesn't. So why were the first chapters about artifacts from this Pharaoh's pyramid?
I guess it was to ensure the reader ended up in a specific place in the desert where a war skirmish and rescue mission took place in history.
So why wasn't the focus on that in the first place?
Good question.
Based on the cliffhanger it appears as if this might be followed up second one to expand upon the pyramid story perhaps. It would have made more sense to separate the two distinctive tales in the first place.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
July 13, 2024
Well Gibbons has done it again. Wow, the story jumps between Jack and Costas, and the time of Gordon at Khartoum. It is a strongly written story, the historical portion harkens to the works of H. Rider Haggard's adventure/travelogues. They are full of action, adventure, and vivid descriptions of the country. The adventure in this book is the strongest of Gibbons books, the historical backdrop is solid, the telling is fantastic. Once again, Gibbons gives us the author's notes at the end of the book. I believe that is a factor of what makes him such a fascinating author. He gives notes and historical facts. He gives ways for an interested reader to follow up on the real data and learn more. He inspires the mind, fires the imagination, and then allows the reader to become a student of the subject. I am now caught up with his books, and eagerly looking forward to the next one.
June 12, 2013
I've read all of the previous Jack Howard books and must say I have really enjoyed them, so it was with high hopes that I started to read this book. I will say now that it s a great story but I did have to check a couple of times that I was reading a Jack Howard story and not an Edward Mayne story as at least two thirds of the book are devoted to him and his mission regarding General Gordon of Khartoum. Just as the action really begins for Jack and Costas the book finishes, although you do begin to think at about the 75% mark that there is still an awful lot of ground to cover. All in all not the best I have read although the historical passages were interesting but still not enough of Jack and his partners. I will definitely have to read the next if only to finish this story.
October 1, 2013
What happened to the fast-paced novels for which Gibbins is famous? This is sluggish and downright boring.
The explanatory notes at the end of the novel are without doubt the best bit. Dr. Gibbins knows his stuff. It is just a shame that the title of the book is full of ancient Egyptian mystical promise. If it had been presented as a military story about the downfall of General Gordon of Khartoum it would have been more accurate. As it stands, Pharaoh is a mystery for all the wrong reasons.
You can see my full review at New York Journal of Books.
(I was provided with a free copy by the publisher for an honest review)
The explanatory notes at the end of the novel are without doubt the best bit. Dr. Gibbins knows his stuff. It is just a shame that the title of the book is full of ancient Egyptian mystical promise. If it had been presented as a military story about the downfall of General Gordon of Khartoum it would have been more accurate. As it stands, Pharaoh is a mystery for all the wrong reasons.
You can see my full review at New York Journal of Books.
(I was provided with a free copy by the publisher for an honest review)
June 15, 2013
I've read all of the Jack Howard series and I've loved them all and I especially like the underwater archaeology element to the stories. Some of the theories behind the stories are fascinating too and are a constant source of reference in some of my discussions with friends. The only thing I disliked with this particular book was the fact that about 3/4 of it is set in the doomed "Gordon Rescue" mission in the 1880's. I know it is crucial to the story but I felt it overtook the rest of the story. That said, it was still a good read and opens up the next book in the series nicely.
September 25, 2015
I enjoyed the story and the period about which this book was written. However, it was difficult for me to toggle my mind between the past story and the sudden interjections of the current era story. It all came together in the end though and found myself enjoying this book. Like most series I read, I always seem to start in the middle. I guess I'll have to go back and read the first couple to see if I will want to read the entire series about Jack Howard and Costas. If you like Egyptian history and warfare, this will definitely be a good read for you.
February 24, 2018
This book had a really good story line, with excellent transitions between eras of time.
However, the writing is severely plodding, which is too bad as it eventually became a chore to read. With a different writing style, this could have been an excellent book.
However, the writing is severely plodding, which is too bad as it eventually became a chore to read. With a different writing style, this could have been an excellent book.
June 16, 2015
I'm a big fan of Jack Howard but this book was too concentrated οn past events and it did not have enough Jack and Costas interactions or present day adventures.
May 29, 2019
I realized too late that this was book 7 in a series. That probably accounts for my initial difficulty getting hooked into the plot. The book can stand alone; but it helps to have more background for the characters. The book hardly seems to progress. A vague story about the Mahdi Revolt in 1880s Sudan was not what I expected. In fact, the publisher's blurb is entirely incorrect. Gibbons jumping between three different timelines did not help. The historical accuracy of the book does help. It even encouraged me to read further in several spots. But I was bored by the end even though the ending is a cliffhanger.
The book begins by introducing readers to the main characters in the Jack Howard series. It is a packed chapter of each character joking with others about how smart, awesome, and badass they are. It was rushed, it was jumbled, and it tried to pack in 6 previous books' worth of character development. If that was not enough the first few chapters were about an underwater archeological "dig" that unearthed an incredible find. Such a discovery would establish a reputation comparable to Heinrich Schliemann. But, after finally discovering the artifact - not actually bringing it up and studying it - Jack Howard races off to Egypt-Sudan where less impressive discoveries are waiting.
At this point, Gibbons turns the focus of his book into the fictional story of a British railway agent-adventurer-soldier-spook while he treks across the Sudan. With occasional returns to Jack Howard, this book is really devoted to Major Edward Mayne. Mayne's story is much better than Jack's story. It is also slower and more carefully developed. Gibbons probably spends way too much time with Mayne. I appreciate the detail and the history. If the book was just about Mayne, I would rate the book higher. I am not sure how the two plot lines intersect. I was confused by the different artifacts and characters - and lost in the action. Upon reflection, Jack Howard could have done everything without Mayne's story being told intermittently with Howard's story.
Needless to say, none of this has anything to do with the publisher's blurb about a pharaoh sacrificing his army in the Red Sea. The pharaoh appears only once in the book - the first chapter. In this chapter he is likely in modern-day Sudan - but not leading an army into the sea. Nor is there any connection with Tutankhamun, also featured in the blurb. Even though the book was mostly about British efforts to rescue General Gordon in 1884-1885, the book did not contain anything about a "long-shrouded catastrophe" involving a British unit being swallowed by a Nile whirlpool. So, the official description of this book is wildly inaccurate. Possibly, the publisher split Gibbons book in two for better sales....
I appreciate the amount of care and research Gibbons put into the novel. Mayne's story made me want to learn more about the Mahdi Revolt. The realism of the book pushed me further into the book even though I felt the book was interrupted by Jack Howard working on another amazing discovery only to discover it, get the credit, and move on without excavating or cataloging anything. It was awkward. The book ends with Gibbons' musings on the different parts of his book where he delineates fact from fiction and offers some sources and further readings.
The book ends with Howard moving into danger. I am not terribly excited about the next book. The character dynamics is confusing and distracting. Gibbons apparently tried to insert humor into his adventure story; but readers of previous books could appreciate it better. It was more distracting than entertaining. I have no vested interest in Jack, Costas, Hiebermeyer, or anyone else. Mayne's story ends. It appears much of the Mahdi Revolt story ends. The action moves to Egypt. I was skimming the pages by the end, not out of thirst to know what happens; but because I wanted to finish it.
Ultimately, I enjoyed parts of the book and disliked other parts. As a novel of the Mahdi Revolt, this was fascinating and enjoyable. However, interjecting modern Indiana Jones style adventure and archeology made it less enjoyable. If anything, the modern archeology-adventure arc made the Mahdi Revolt arc appear to be filler - extending the story into the next book.
The book begins by introducing readers to the main characters in the Jack Howard series. It is a packed chapter of each character joking with others about how smart, awesome, and badass they are. It was rushed, it was jumbled, and it tried to pack in 6 previous books' worth of character development. If that was not enough the first few chapters were about an underwater archeological "dig" that unearthed an incredible find. Such a discovery would establish a reputation comparable to Heinrich Schliemann. But, after finally discovering the artifact - not actually bringing it up and studying it - Jack Howard races off to Egypt-Sudan where less impressive discoveries are waiting.
At this point, Gibbons turns the focus of his book into the fictional story of a British railway agent-adventurer-soldier-spook while he treks across the Sudan. With occasional returns to Jack Howard, this book is really devoted to Major Edward Mayne. Mayne's story is much better than Jack's story. It is also slower and more carefully developed. Gibbons probably spends way too much time with Mayne. I appreciate the detail and the history. If the book was just about Mayne, I would rate the book higher. I am not sure how the two plot lines intersect. I was confused by the different artifacts and characters - and lost in the action. Upon reflection, Jack Howard could have done everything without Mayne's story being told intermittently with Howard's story.
Needless to say, none of this has anything to do with the publisher's blurb about a pharaoh sacrificing his army in the Red Sea. The pharaoh appears only once in the book - the first chapter. In this chapter he is likely in modern-day Sudan - but not leading an army into the sea. Nor is there any connection with Tutankhamun, also featured in the blurb. Even though the book was mostly about British efforts to rescue General Gordon in 1884-1885, the book did not contain anything about a "long-shrouded catastrophe" involving a British unit being swallowed by a Nile whirlpool. So, the official description of this book is wildly inaccurate. Possibly, the publisher split Gibbons book in two for better sales....
I appreciate the amount of care and research Gibbons put into the novel. Mayne's story made me want to learn more about the Mahdi Revolt. The realism of the book pushed me further into the book even though I felt the book was interrupted by Jack Howard working on another amazing discovery only to discover it, get the credit, and move on without excavating or cataloging anything. It was awkward. The book ends with Gibbons' musings on the different parts of his book where he delineates fact from fiction and offers some sources and further readings.
The book ends with Howard moving into danger. I am not terribly excited about the next book. The character dynamics is confusing and distracting. Gibbons apparently tried to insert humor into his adventure story; but readers of previous books could appreciate it better. It was more distracting than entertaining. I have no vested interest in Jack, Costas, Hiebermeyer, or anyone else. Mayne's story ends. It appears much of the Mahdi Revolt story ends. The action moves to Egypt. I was skimming the pages by the end, not out of thirst to know what happens; but because I wanted to finish it.
Ultimately, I enjoyed parts of the book and disliked other parts. As a novel of the Mahdi Revolt, this was fascinating and enjoyable. However, interjecting modern Indiana Jones style adventure and archeology made it less enjoyable. If anything, the modern archeology-adventure arc made the Mahdi Revolt arc appear to be filler - extending the story into the next book.
September 3, 2022
For the longest time my adventure shelf has primarily consisted of Clive Cussler, Matthew Reilly, and James Rollins; with Will Adams, David Gibbins, Andy McDermott, and Paul Sussman patiently waiting their turn; and Alex Archer lurking on the next shelf, alongside all the Indiana Jones tie-in novels. These tattered paperbacks are my go-to adventures when I'm looking for an escape. They're the kind of books I insist on physically holding in my hands as I read, the texture of the paper akin to that of an old map, just waiting to lead me into history.
Based on my experiences this weekend, it's safe to say that most of those authors are going to have to remain patient, because David Gibbins just joined Clive Cussler as an absolute must-read. Seriously, Pharaoh was easily the most satisfying adventure tale I've read in a very long time, with Jack Howard standing proud next to Dirk Pitt.
Like Cussler, Gibbins is an experienced underwater archaeologist, and it definitely shows. Not only is there a sense of authenticity to his adventure, but also a level of detail that, quite honestly, astounds me. He manages to satisfy armchair archaeology geeks (such as myself) with enough detail to make us really feel a part of the action, but stops just shy of overwhelming the adventure junkies who simply want to get on with the story. It's a difficult balance, but it's what immediately sucked me into the early chapters.
Where Gibbins really excels, though, is in his grasp of history, and his ability to convey it. It's all too easy for an author to info-dump a bunch of historical facts on the reader in an effort to provide some sort of tenuous backbone for the novel's MacGuffin, but it's something else entirely to make the history a legitimate part of the story. Gibbins starts the novel off with a prologue of Ancient Egypt that is just as enticing and engrossing as Jack Howard's adventures, and then continues to weave in historical scenes throughout. More importantly, when Jack and his colleagues are talking history, it sounds like a natural (and interesting) conversation, not a strained attempt at narrative exposition.
As for the characters, there's a reasonably large cast here, but they're all well-developed and immediately identifiable. Jack Howard is a great protagonist, equal parts Indiana Jones and Dirk Pitt. He's both a scholar and an adventurer, as well as a business man and a family man. He's definitely a bit larger-than-life, but still easy to relate to. A big part of what makes him so human is his friendship with Costas, who is far more than just a literary sidekick. Even more interestingly, the historical figures who populate the side/back stories are well developed themselves, transforming what could have been tediously long departures from the primary storyline into engrossing tales of their own.
Finally - and this is key to any great adventure novel - the settings are fantastic. Whether we're under the sea or trudging through sand, gazing longingly at shipwrecks through a camera lens or getting down and dirty in a desert temple, there's enough of a 'wow' factor to keep any reader entertained. It's clear that Gibbins is always thinking with the camera's eye in mind, giving the reader the kind of cinematic scope and grandeur they'd expect to see on the screen, which definitely enhances the adventure.
I'm sure I haven't even begun to do the novel justice, but I'm still processing it all, and wanted to get a review drafted before diving into the lengthy author's notes as the back. As first impressions go, this was an amazing ride, one that kept me reading long after I should have turned the lights out and gone to bed. I am already anxious to give Gibbins a read again, which is probably the best recommendation I can give for Pharaoh.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Based on my experiences this weekend, it's safe to say that most of those authors are going to have to remain patient, because David Gibbins just joined Clive Cussler as an absolute must-read. Seriously, Pharaoh was easily the most satisfying adventure tale I've read in a very long time, with Jack Howard standing proud next to Dirk Pitt.
Like Cussler, Gibbins is an experienced underwater archaeologist, and it definitely shows. Not only is there a sense of authenticity to his adventure, but also a level of detail that, quite honestly, astounds me. He manages to satisfy armchair archaeology geeks (such as myself) with enough detail to make us really feel a part of the action, but stops just shy of overwhelming the adventure junkies who simply want to get on with the story. It's a difficult balance, but it's what immediately sucked me into the early chapters.
Where Gibbins really excels, though, is in his grasp of history, and his ability to convey it. It's all too easy for an author to info-dump a bunch of historical facts on the reader in an effort to provide some sort of tenuous backbone for the novel's MacGuffin, but it's something else entirely to make the history a legitimate part of the story. Gibbins starts the novel off with a prologue of Ancient Egypt that is just as enticing and engrossing as Jack Howard's adventures, and then continues to weave in historical scenes throughout. More importantly, when Jack and his colleagues are talking history, it sounds like a natural (and interesting) conversation, not a strained attempt at narrative exposition.
As for the characters, there's a reasonably large cast here, but they're all well-developed and immediately identifiable. Jack Howard is a great protagonist, equal parts Indiana Jones and Dirk Pitt. He's both a scholar and an adventurer, as well as a business man and a family man. He's definitely a bit larger-than-life, but still easy to relate to. A big part of what makes him so human is his friendship with Costas, who is far more than just a literary sidekick. Even more interestingly, the historical figures who populate the side/back stories are well developed themselves, transforming what could have been tediously long departures from the primary storyline into engrossing tales of their own.
Finally - and this is key to any great adventure novel - the settings are fantastic. Whether we're under the sea or trudging through sand, gazing longingly at shipwrecks through a camera lens or getting down and dirty in a desert temple, there's enough of a 'wow' factor to keep any reader entertained. It's clear that Gibbins is always thinking with the camera's eye in mind, giving the reader the kind of cinematic scope and grandeur they'd expect to see on the screen, which definitely enhances the adventure.
I'm sure I haven't even begun to do the novel justice, but I'm still processing it all, and wanted to get a review drafted before diving into the lengthy author's notes as the back. As first impressions go, this was an amazing ride, one that kept me reading long after I should have turned the lights out and gone to bed. I am already anxious to give Gibbins a read again, which is probably the best recommendation I can give for Pharaoh.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
November 18, 2019
Star Rating: 4 stars
Note: This is the 7th book in the Jack Howard series by David Gibbins so this will not be an in-depth review.
Since I have so many holds coming over the next few weeks, I decided that I was going to read some shorter books while I waited for them to come in as I didn’t want to be in the middle of a giant book when they all came in (Reviewer’s note: I am not intimidated by large books, actually, I prefer them, but with 4 new releases coming, I just can’t be in the middle of an 800 or so book, especially since I am not a particularly fast reader.) Because of this, I decided to pick up Pharaoh by David Gibbins, which tells the story of marine archaeologist, Jack Howard, as he and his team travel the world following a series of clues that may just re-write history.
As a person that loves history and archaeology, I really enjoy Gibbins’s books as he is an archaeologist by trade and is very good at incorporating as much authentic history/historical theories as possible into his books. This one was really cool as Gibbins managed to include multiple time periods in one narrative- ancient Egypt, British Empire, and modern day, although the British Empire is the main focus in this particular volume. As I don’t know much about the time period of British imperialism, I learned so much over the course of this volume. (I have a dream of being an ancient historian, so I know a lot about ancient times but not as much about more modern times.) Even though I enjoy studying history, it still amazes me how much events that happen in different time periods or in different parts of the world can be so related to each other. (I can’t tell you what I’m referring to because of spoilers but read the book and you will understand.)
The only problem I have with this book is how it ended as I felt it did so too abruptly. I actually thought that I was missing part of the book as where the ending happened made no sense, and this is the reason why I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5, but still a great read and addition to the series. 4 stars overall!!!!!!!
Note: This is the 7th book in the Jack Howard series by David Gibbins so this will not be an in-depth review.
Since I have so many holds coming over the next few weeks, I decided that I was going to read some shorter books while I waited for them to come in as I didn’t want to be in the middle of a giant book when they all came in (Reviewer’s note: I am not intimidated by large books, actually, I prefer them, but with 4 new releases coming, I just can’t be in the middle of an 800 or so book, especially since I am not a particularly fast reader.) Because of this, I decided to pick up Pharaoh by David Gibbins, which tells the story of marine archaeologist, Jack Howard, as he and his team travel the world following a series of clues that may just re-write history.
As a person that loves history and archaeology, I really enjoy Gibbins’s books as he is an archaeologist by trade and is very good at incorporating as much authentic history/historical theories as possible into his books. This one was really cool as Gibbins managed to include multiple time periods in one narrative- ancient Egypt, British Empire, and modern day, although the British Empire is the main focus in this particular volume. As I don’t know much about the time period of British imperialism, I learned so much over the course of this volume. (I have a dream of being an ancient historian, so I know a lot about ancient times but not as much about more modern times.) Even though I enjoy studying history, it still amazes me how much events that happen in different time periods or in different parts of the world can be so related to each other. (I can’t tell you what I’m referring to because of spoilers but read the book and you will understand.)
The only problem I have with this book is how it ended as I felt it did so too abruptly. I actually thought that I was missing part of the book as where the ending happened made no sense, and this is the reason why I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5, but still a great read and addition to the series. 4 stars overall!!!!!!!
May 2, 2022
One of the weakest plots you can waste your time on. The author was fond of 1966 Charlton Heston’s classic movie Khartoum to steal scenes and dialogues and re-use it in his novel. Incredible!!! Did the author think nobody watched this movie?! A novel with the title Pharaoh with nothing about this Pharaoh who was supposed to be Akhenaton. If the reader does not know who Akhenaten is, he will be lost. Actually, the author should give another title for his novel. However, 90% of the novel is about the plot of Gordon assassination. A title such as “the imagined plot of General Gordon assassination” will work well.
The author did not do his homework. I think he went to his laptop and started typing on his keyboard without any research, regardless of watching Khartoum. Shaytan is not a name for a person. There is not one person in all Arab history named Shaytan. Simply, because Shaytan is the Arabic name for Satan. There is no Sudanese language. In Sudan, and I mean where the novel is supposed to be, people speak Arabic. Let me give you some advice Mr. Gibson. Consult Google Maps for your geographic information, because the Nile's width near Khartoum is - at least - twice Times of London.
The author did not do his homework. I think he went to his laptop and started typing on his keyboard without any research, regardless of watching Khartoum. Shaytan is not a name for a person. There is not one person in all Arab history named Shaytan. Simply, because Shaytan is the Arabic name for Satan. There is no Sudanese language. In Sudan, and I mean where the novel is supposed to be, people speak Arabic. Let me give you some advice Mr. Gibson. Consult Google Maps for your geographic information, because the Nile's width near Khartoum is - at least - twice Times of London.
January 20, 2025
Didn't like it as much as his others. Coming from someone who gives 5* to the Jack Howard books, only 3 is a drop. Usually there's quite a mix of modern day archeology and bad people chasing him, ancient history and what the person they're researching was really doing, and some bit of history in between that's got tangled up in it all.
This was more a story of what a fictional soldier tasked with a fictional secret mission in the middle of a real historic 19thC war was doing, with some bits of archeology interspersed. I get the impression Gibbins had always wanted to write a war story but maybe he could write a separate series and really enjoy himself doing it instead of trying to shoehorn it in here.
Otherwise of course very well written as usual. Gibbins is a thoroughly excellent writer and should always be respected. I did feel the end of the story was rushed, maybe because so much time had been spent with Mayne in the desert.
This was more a story of what a fictional soldier tasked with a fictional secret mission in the middle of a real historic 19thC war was doing, with some bits of archeology interspersed. I get the impression Gibbins had always wanted to write a war story but maybe he could write a separate series and really enjoy himself doing it instead of trying to shoehorn it in here.
Otherwise of course very well written as usual. Gibbins is a thoroughly excellent writer and should always be respected. I did feel the end of the story was rushed, maybe because so much time had been spent with Mayne in the desert.
April 27, 2022
Another solid book by David Gibbons. I haven’t read all of his books yet, but the few I have were quite good.
I have to say that the combat scenes with the Dervish was probably one of the most intense that I have read in quite some time. Very vividly detailed and horrifying at the same time. Well done.
The book is full of good detail, with fiction and fact seamlessly weaved together to create a very entertaining novel. The only risk is that the book can cause some lost sleep, as I was up quite late one night in a particularly engrossing part.
Overall, I found the book a very worthwhile and entertaining read. It was well worth the time spent reading.
I have to say that the combat scenes with the Dervish was probably one of the most intense that I have read in quite some time. Very vividly detailed and horrifying at the same time. Well done.
The book is full of good detail, with fiction and fact seamlessly weaved together to create a very entertaining novel. The only risk is that the book can cause some lost sleep, as I was up quite late one night in a particularly engrossing part.
Overall, I found the book a very worthwhile and entertaining read. It was well worth the time spent reading.
March 8, 2024
As a setting for my 40th birthday I had chosen to visit the wonders of Egypt, hence when I picked this book as first book to read for this year, I was really looking forward to reminisce that trip. It ended up being a bore (the book not the country), perhaps my expectations were high! With 3 different stories set ages apart, the prospect looked promising, especially the first chapter about Akhenaten. Could it be because this is book number 7 in the Jack Howard series and I had never read any of the other books before?
I liked however the author's note at the end of the novel. Otherwise I would have given it 1 star.
I liked however the author's note at the end of the novel. Otherwise I would have given it 1 star.
January 17, 2025
This is a fun series. Think Indiana Jones. Jack Howard is an archaeologist/ adventurer that travels all around the world discovering the world’s lost treasures. The adventures are fun, if a bit fantastical. I really like when they discover something and figure out the story behind it. I also like that there are flash backs to ancient times when these items were being used. At the end of each book, David Gibbons talks about the historical items in the book and tells some of the facts about it. It’s an overall fun story with fictional theories being told about real historical artifacts.
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